Two years of war in Ukraine - De Croo on Ukrainian ammunition shortage: "We must admit that we must do more"
In light of the war in Ukraine, which began exactly two years ago, Western leaders visited Kyiv to show their solidarity. During the meeting, Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo said that European member states "must admit that they must do more" to supply the Ukrainian armed forces.
As prime minister of Belgium, De Croo represents the presidency of the European Union. He admitted that European countries had failed to provide Ukraine with enough ammunition or warplanes to push back Russian troops completely. "If you don't have what you need, we must admit we must do more. We have to do better," he said.
We must not lose hope
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged Ukraine and its allies "not to lose hope". "The situation on the battlefield remains extremely difficult. President Putin's goal of dominating Ukraine has not changed," the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation chief said. "But we must not lose hope". Stoltenberg said Ukraine had repeatedly shown its capabilities and determination.
With the conflict now in its second year, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu also visited his troops in Ukraine on Saturday. "Today, the advantage in terms of power dynamics is on our side," the minister told Russian troops from a command centre.
We reiterate our call for Russia to stop its war of aggression against Ukraine
On Friday, Ukrainian Foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba again called on Russia to end the conflict at the United Nations Security Council meeting in New York. "We reiterate our call for Russia to stop its war of aggression against Ukraine," he said. Russia must ensure a "full, immediate and unconditional withdrawal" of all troops from internationally recognised Ukrainian territory.
Kuleba also called on Russian allies such as Iran, Belarus and North Korea to stop supplying arms and other forms of military support. Finally, he thanked his fellow Ukrainians for their support. "We are strong. We are united. We are determined. And we will keep our promises", he concluded.
© BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE
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